PSL Transfer News: Other PSL Title Challengers

Even with the unexpected departure of coach Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns, closing the 23-point gap to Sundowns will take a lot of work. We’ve previewed some of the signings that Pirates and Chiefs have made, and how they can help them towards that goal. Today, SuperSport, Stellenboach & Cape Town City are in the spotlight. They have all looked good at some point in recent seasons, but usually fall off towards the end of seasons. Can their new signings help them bridge the gap?

Stellenbosch

Sanele Barns

Stellenbosch won the Carling Cup, finished third in the league, and were in the final four of both Nedbank Cup and MTN8. And now they have added one of the league’s most exciting talents to their ranks.

No player in the PSL created more chances than Barns last season (77), and he was third for big chances (10). Some of these numbers will come down as he fits into a side that has other playmakers, but what he offers is undeniable.

Lehlohonolo Mojela

Stellenbosch did not have a goal problem last season, evidenced by their record as the third-best scoring side in the league and second-highest in the Nedbank Cup. They still chose to bolster their attack, adding 27-year-old striker Lehlohonolo Mojela. Perhaps this is designed to ease the goalscoring burden on Iqraam Rayners. Mojela scored eight goals in all competitions last season and could expect more in a side less defensively oriented as TS Galaxy.

SuperSport

Vincent Pule

Matsatsanta have been pro-active in the offseason. Not only were coaching contracts renewed, but their dip into the market has focused on experienced players. Out goes a Shandre Campbell profile, and in comes a Vincent Pule profile.

Just two seasons ago, Vincent Pule was the most used outlet for shots at Pirates. For a side that plays a lot of crosses, Hunt may see him as more of a provider than a finisher. Whatever Hunt decides, Pule will offer some offensive threats with his shot-taking.

Pogiso Sanoka

In defence, the departure of Keegan Allen & Kagan Johannes has also been replaced with experience. 32-year-old Pogiso Sanoka played in every game for TS Galaxy in the league last season, and Hunt may see a player whose availability he can always count on. Sanoka is in the higher ranks for interceptions and clearances. Indeed, only Grant Margerman (55) had more interceptions last season for his new club than him (38). He also ranked high for accurate long balls, a useful trait for a more direct SuperSport.

Cape Town City

Kamohelo Mokotjo

Cape Town City’s arrivals have been a mix of youth and experience. There is a Brice Ambina-shaped hole that City needs to fill this coming season, and Eric Tinkler has opted to go safe with an experienced player in Mokotjo.

Mokotjo may be on the other side of 30, but his international experience may be well worth the gamble. Very rarely do you see a player who shone in Dutch Eredivisie, English Championship, and the MLS still racking up 2,000+ minutes at his age? 

Kayden Francis

21-year-old Kayden Francis has switched coasts and joined City from Chippa United. The youngster featured prominently in the second half of last season, although he did not complete 90 minutes in any league game. Only Relebohile Mofokeng (56%) had a better shooting accuracy than his (55%) among Under-23 players. It yielded only three goals but came from three big chances he received. He won’t be expected to compete for a starting role immediately, so hopefully he uses the opportunity to build on his obvious potential.